probable
Americanadjective
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likely to occur or prove true.
He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.
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having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.
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affording ground for belief.
adjective
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likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so
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most likely
the probable cause of the accident
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of probable
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( see probe) + -bilis -ble
Compare meaning
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Explanation
If it's probable, then odds are it's going to come true. If rain is probable this weekend, you shouldn't plan a picnic. Things that are probable are probably going to happen; they're likely. Meteorologists are always trying to figure out what weather is probable, though they're often wrong. Sportscasters and gamblers try to guess the probable outcome of big games. You can also call a candidate for a job or political office who's likely to get the position a probable — they've probably got the job in the bag.
Vocabulary lists containing probable
Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints
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Copernicus: The Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams have the NFL reigning most valuable player — a probable future hall of famer still conducting master classes of his craft.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
"We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Musk later added: “To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
Still, only 15% of those surveyed believe a rate increase is probable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
I knew that he had no probable cause to enter my vehicle and that he was conducting an illegal search.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
